I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality who has honed her craft within the travel and tourism industry. With a deep passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Katarina has become a prominent voice in entertainment and events, often shaping conversations at expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into Marriott International’s latest luxury endeavor, the St. Regis Estates brand, launching with The Resort at Pelican Hill in 2027. Our discussion explores the inspiration behind this legacy-focused extension, the evolving desires of high-end travelers, the thoughtful enhancements at Pelican Hill, and how this move aligns with broader trends in the luxury travel market.
How did the concept of St. Regis Estates come to life, particularly with its emphasis on legacy and leisure-led properties? What role did the Astor family’s history play in shaping this vision?
I’m so glad you asked about this because the St. Regis Estates concept is truly a homage to a bygone era of elegance. The inspiration stems directly from the Astors, the founding family of the St. Regis brand, who epitomized luxury by escaping the hustle of city life to their sprawling country estates. I remember visiting one of the historic estates tied to this legacy during a hospitality conference a few years back, and I was struck by the serene beauty and the sense of timelessness—it felt like stepping into a storybook. The vision for St. Regis Estates is to recreate that feeling of retreat and deep connection, selecting properties with significant history and expansive grounds that tell a story. It’s about crafting an experience that feels personal, almost residential, where guests can slow down and soak in the heritage of a place. Marriott saw this as a way to honor the Astor legacy while meeting today’s luxury travelers’ craving for authenticity over fleeting trends.
In what ways do you think St. Regis Estates speaks to the modern luxury traveler’s need for privacy and emotional connection, especially compared to more trend-driven destinations? Can you highlight a specific feature at Pelican Hill that brings this to life?
The modern luxury traveler is looking for something beyond the surface—they want a sanctuary that feels like an escape, not just a flashy hotspot. St. Regis Estates taps into this by prioritizing privacy and a genuine bond with the destination’s character and heritage, which I believe resonates far more than Instagram-worthy gimmicks. Take the Bella Vista Pool Caffè at Pelican Hill as a perfect example. It’s not just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a thoughtfully designed space where guests can linger by the pool, surrounded by stunning views of the Southern California coastline, feeling the warm breeze and hearing the gentle lapping of water. The design and ambiance are meant to evoke a sense of calm and belonging, encouraging guests to slow down and connect with the moment. I’ve seen firsthand at other luxury properties how such intentional spaces can transform a stay into a memory—guests often leave feeling they’ve discovered a hidden gem that speaks to their soul, and I’m confident Bella Vista will do the same.
Can you walk us through the strategy behind the specific upgrades at Pelican Hill, like the revamping of the 36-hole golf courses and the enhancements to bungalows and villas? How do these changes aim to elevate the guest experience?
The upgrades at Pelican Hill are all about deepening the sense of luxury and personalization that defines St. Regis Estates. Revamping the 36-hole golf courses, for instance, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a world-class experience for enthusiasts who see golf as a ritual of leisure and connection with nature. The goal is to ensure every detail, from the manicured greens to the breathtaking ocean views, feels exceptional and seamless. Similarly, upgrading the bungalows and villas focuses on crafting spaces that feel like private retreats—think luxurious interiors with a residential warmth, where guests can unwind as if they’re in their own home. I recall working on a project where we reimagined guest accommodations to prioritize comfort over ostentation, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive; guests stayed longer and returned often. At Pelican Hill, these enhancements are designed to elevate satisfaction by blending modern craftsmanship with the property’s inherent charm, ensuring every guest feels uniquely cared for, though specific metrics on bookings or satisfaction goals are still under wraps as the project evolves.
I’m fascinated by the new Pelican Hill bar inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at St. Regis New York, especially with its commissioned mural. How does this element reflect the Southern California setting, and what was the creative process like in weaving local culture into the design?
The new bar at Pelican Hill is such an exciting nod to the heritage of St. Regis while grounding itself in its Southern California roots. The commissioned mural is the centerpiece, capturing the essence of the region’s coastal beauty and laid-back elegance—think vivid depictions of the Newport Beach shoreline, the golden sunsets, and maybe even hints of local flora that make you feel immersed in the landscape. I can almost smell the salty ocean air just imagining it! The creative process, from what I’ve gathered through industry insights, involved collaborating with local artists to ensure authenticity, spending time sketching out how the mural could tell a story of sanctuary and connection that aligns with the estate’s ethos. It’s about creating a space where guests sip their cocktails and feel transported by the art, as if they’re part of the region’s narrative. I’ve seen similar integrations of local culture at other luxury properties spark deep conversations among guests, and I believe this bar will become a beloved spot to unwind and reflect on the beauty of the surroundings.
With the luxury travel segment seeing strong demand, as highlighted by Marriott’s leadership, how does St. Regis Estates fit into the company’s broader growth strategy? What trends or insights drove this focus on high-end extensions like this one?
St. Regis Estates is a brilliant piece of Marriott’s strategy to lean into the luxury segment, especially at a time when wealth bifurcation in the hotel industry shows high-end travelers are spending more than ever. The trend is clear—luxury travelers aren’t just looking for a place to stay; they crave experiences that feel exclusive, authentic, and emotionally resonant, and Marriott has seen this appetite grow, particularly in their third-quarter performance of 2025. I recall a conversation with a colleague at a recent expo where we discussed how top-tier clients are willing to invest in stays that offer privacy and heritage over mere opulence, and St. Regis Estates embodies that perfectly. It’s a calculated move to capture this growing demand by offering destinations with cinematic settings and deep narratives, positioning Marriott as a leader in curated, meaningful travel. The decision to launch with a property like Pelican Hill shows they’re not just chasing numbers but building a legacy that aligns with what today’s affluent travelers truly value.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the impact of St. Regis Estates on the luxury travel landscape?
I believe St. Regis Estates has the potential to redefine what luxury travel means in the coming years. We’re likely to see a ripple effect where other brands take note and shift toward more heritage-driven, intimate experiences rather than just competing on spectacle. Given the growing desire for connection and authenticity, I think properties under this brand will become benchmarks for how to balance modern luxury with timeless storytelling. I’ve felt this shift myself while working with clients who now prioritize destinations that feel like a personal discovery over cookie-cutter resorts. My forecast is that St. Regis Estates will not only capture a loyal following but also inspire a broader industry trend toward slower, more meaningful travel experiences. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see how this evolves!
